Cheryl Lynn made her mark on the music world with one of the most iconic disco anthems of the 1970s—“Got to Be Real.” Her voice, full of power and personality, helped define an era. But there’s much more to her story than just one hit. From her church roots in Los Angeles to collaborations with industry legends like Luther Vandross and David Foster, Lynn’s career spans decades of memorable performances, recordings, and quiet influence on R&B and dance music.
Let’s take a closer look at her rise, her hits, and her lasting legacy.
| Full Name | Lynda Cheryl Smith |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Cheryl Lynn |
| Born | March 11, 1957 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Genres | R&B, Soul, Funk, Disco |
| Years Active | 1976–present |
| Label(s) | Columbia, Avex Trax |
| Notable Hits | “Got to Be Real”, “Star Love”, “Shake It Up Tonight”, “Encore”, “If This World Were Mine” (with Luther Vandross) |
| Associated Acts | Luther Vandross, Toto, David Foster, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis |
| Awards & Honors | Dance Music Hall of Fame inductee (2005) |
Humble Beginnings and Breakthrough
Cheryl Lynn was born Lynda Cheryl Smith on March 11, 1957, in Los Angeles, California. Growing up in a religious household, her earliest musical experiences came from church, where her mother was a minister. Although she was shy as a child, her vocal ability didn’t stay hidden for long.
Before her recording career began, Lynn stepped into the spotlight in a unique way. She played the Wicked Witch of the West in a local production of The Wiz, showing early promise as a stage performer. But her big break came unexpectedly.
In 1976, a friend dared her to audition for the talent segment of The Gong Show, a quirky game show that combined comedy and amateur acts. Cheryl sang Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful” and stunned the judges. Although she tied with another contestant and didn’t win, her performance led to immediate interest from several major record labels.
Launching a Hit with “Got to Be Real”
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After a missed meeting with Atlantic Records, Columbia Records stepped in and signed her. It turned out to be the right match.
Working with Toto keyboardist David Paich and producer David Foster, Lynn recorded “Got to Be Real.” Released in 1978, the track exploded onto the scene. It reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, topped the R&B chart, and hit #11 on the dance chart. The song became an instant disco classic and remains her signature hit.
Her debut album, Cheryl Lynn, was released the same year. It peaked at #23 on the Billboard 200 and #5 on the R&B albums chart. Her powerful vocals and energy made the album a solid entry into the disco era.
Follow-Up Singles and Early Collaborations
Lynn’s next single, “Star Love,” didn’t match the explosive success of her debut but still performed well. It reached #62 on the pop chart, #16 on the R&B chart, and #11 on the dance chart.
Around the same time, Cheryl teamed up with the band Toto, providing background vocals on their song “Georgy Porgy.” This track reached #18 on the R&B chart and introduced her voice to rock audiences.
More R&B and Dance Chart Success
Cheryl Lynn kept the momentum going into the 1980s. In 1981, she released “Shake It Up Tonight,” a funky dance track that hit #5 on both the R&B and dance charts. It also made a modest appearance on the pop chart at #70.
The following year, she released “Encore,” produced by then-rising star Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. “Encore” became a major R&B hit, reaching #1 on the R&B chart, #6 on the dance chart, and #69 on the pop chart.
Memorable Duets and Ballads
In 1982, Lynn teamed up with Luther Vandross on a soulful duet. Their version of “If This World Were Mine,” originally recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, was included on her fourth album Instant Love. The duet became a fan favorite and reached #4 on the R&B chart. Their voices blended effortlessly, creating one of the decade’s most beloved covers.
Later Albums and International Popularity
As the 1980s continued, Lynn’s chart presence began to decline, reflecting the waning popularity of disco. Still, she remained active and released several albums, including:
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Preppie (1983), featuring the minor hit “Encore”
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It’s Gonna Be Right (1985), which included the singles “Fidelity” and “Fade to Black”
Though these releases didn’t reach her earlier commercial heights, they kept her in the public eye.
In the 1990s, Lynn stepped back from the spotlight in the U.S. but found an enthusiastic audience in Japan. In 1995, she released Good Time on the Japanese label Avex Trax. The album’s single “Guarantee for My Heart” reached #28 on the U.S. R&B chart and #14 on the dance chart, showing she still had fans at home too.
Legacy and Recognition
Cheryl Lynn’s voice, particularly on “Got to Be Real,” has influenced generations of singers. The track has been sampled and covered by artists including Mary J. Blige, Will Smith, and Patti LaBelle. Beyoncé famously performed it in a medley during her early concerts.
In 2005, “Got to Be Real” was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame. That same year, VH1 placed it at #47 on its list of the “100 Greatest Dance Songs.”
The song even found new life in the UK in 2010, debuting on the UK Singles Chart and peaking at #70.
While she never replicated the commercial success of her debut single, Cheryl Lynn has maintained a respected presence in the R&B and dance scenes. She continues to perform at select events and remains a beloved voice among fans of classic funk and disco.
Final Thoughts
Cheryl Lynn’s career is a great example of how one powerful voice can break through barriers—even for someone who once feared singing in front of a crowd. From her unexpected start on a quirky talent show to becoming a disco and R&B icon, Lynn has earned her place in music history.
Her influence lives on in samples, covers, and the countless singers who’ve taken inspiration from her powerful vocals and timeless energy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or hearing “Got to Be Real” for the first time, Cheryl Lynn’s music continues to feel fresh, fierce, and full of life.